A BLIND woman was violently attacked by a gang of youths whilst travelling on a train to Clydebank, prompting further calls for action to tackle growing anti-social behaviour on the route.

Just last week the Post exclusively revealed how a number of train drivers have refused to work the service to Balloch – which travels through several stations in Clydebank – after concerns for their safety due to gangs commandeering the line. 

On Monday, British Transport Police (BTP) issued an appeal for train passengers who may have witnessed the shocking attack on the 60-year-old woman, between Dumbarton Central and Drumry, on Monday, July 25. 

After the assault, the woman was then followed by the female gang and subjected to further verbal abuse as she fled the carriage.

The horrific incident took place shortly before 7pm. It is understood the victim was not seriously physically injured.

The Post previously told how a train driver described gangs of youths taking over the line the attack took place on, and that train staff feared for their safety.

He said: “The anti-social behaviour down on that stretch isn’t anything particularly new, but the increase and the scale of it is a new thing.

“And this really came about during the pandemic when trains were left at the mercy of young people with precious little else to do.”

In reaction, Clydebank’s MSP Marie McNair said she is in the process of speaking to local organisations to find a fix to the growing problem of anti-social behaviour on the rail network.

She said: “Our railways must be safe for all passengers and rail staff. That is why amid reports of an increase in antisocial behaviour, I wrote to the transport minister, Jenny Gilruth, to raise concerns about passengers and staff who feel unsafe on our trains, and to learn more about what the Scottish Government is doing to tackle this issue.

“I am also in the process of setting up meetings with Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, British Transport Police and Y-Sort.

“There is no one solution to reducing antisocial behaviour on our trains, but I am committed to working with all organisations to make sure that the Clydebank to Balloch line, and indeed all local train lines, are safe for all.”

The train drivers’ union, ASLEF believes the answer is an increase in visible staffing to act as a deterrent to those wishing to cause trouble to both staff and commuters.

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scotland organiser, said: “ASLEF condemns the actions of this group of youths. Our railways should be a safe place for all so having more staff visible at stations and on trains is a must. 

“Every train should have at least two members of staff onboard and any proposals to shut booking offices should be halted.”

In October 2021, ScotRail introduced a Travel Safe Team, which targeted several stations and routes, including trains between Dalmuir and Balloch – known as Operation Ballaton – from May this year. 

The team works closely with the BTP and was designed to be a “reactive resource” with the ability to quickly focus on emerging hot spots.

On Friday, ScotRail announced they are actively recruiting officers to expand the current team of nine, with 19 new positions taking the team to 28.

The Scottish Government insist the Travel Safe Team are the way to solve the anti-social behaviour issue on Scotland’s train lines.

In a statement, Transport Scotland said: “We know that staff presence can make a difference and that is why we have supported ongoing recruitment for on-train staff with significantly more ticket examiners and conductors introduced in recent years.”